Louis van Gaal’s appointment as Manchester United boss is imminent, after the announcement of his Dutch World Cup squad, expected to happen on Thursday, was put back to next week.

No official reason for the postponement was given by the Dutch Football Federation, but it is understood the delay is to accommodate outgoing boss Van Gaal’s negotiations with United.

The Dutch FA have said they do not want Van Gaal to be distracted by anything that could undermine Holland’s World Cup campaign in Brazil this summer, hence their desire for any deal with the Old Trafford giants to be concluded within the next seven days.

Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mailhad more on the potential timing of van Gaal's announcement as United manager:

Louis van Gaal will be confirmed as Manchester United's new manager next week.

It is expected to be announced that the Dutchman is replacing David Moyes after United's final home game of the season against Hull.

Van Gaal, 62, will take over in the summer once he has finished Holland's campaign at the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Updates from Tuesday, April 29

Louis van Gaal might be talking his way out of the Manchester United job, according to the Telegraph's Mark Ogden.

According to Ogden, the club does not see eye-to-eye with Van Gaal over the setup of the coaching staff, which may open the way for Carlo Ancelotti to become David Moyes' successor:

Louis van Gaal’s determination to appoint up to five coaches to his backroom staff at Manchester United is threatening to pave the way for Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti to become the front-runner for the manager’s job at Old Trafford.

[...]

Woodward has made it clear that he wants “thread of continuity” that would see the likes of Ryan Giggs, currently acting as interim manager, retained in some capacity.

While Giggs’ future involvement is not set in stone, there is a desire at United for the Welshman or fellow Class of ’92 members Phil Neville, Nicky Butt or Paul Scholes to have some role under a new regime.

But Van Gaal has made United aware that he is keen to take Holland assistants Patrick Kluivert and Danny Blind to Old Trafford, with roles also set aside for goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek, physiotherapist Jos van Dijk and analyst Max Reekers.

Ancelotti, though, told reporters on Monday that he wants to stay at Madrid. Richard Jolly of ESPN FC quoted him saying:

I haven't had contact with Manchester United.

I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time. It is strange to answer questions like that before a semi.

Updates from Monday, April 28

Louis van Gaal is hoping to land his dream switch to Manchester United this week, according to the Guardian's Jamie Jackson.

Jackson writes:

While Van Gaal's advisers deny terms have already been agreed with United, there is optimism that negotiations can be concluded and that an announcement can be made, even as soon as before the weekend.

Updates from Friday, April 25

Carlo Ancelotti distanced himself from the Manchester United job on Friday, expressing his intent to continue at Real Madrid.

There’s lots of speculation about who is going to manage Manchester United and what players are going to be involved, but I don’t think there’s anything in that.

Roy has given his commitment to be assistant manager to Martin and to work for the FAI. There’s been speculation about him in many jobs since he took the role with us but, no I don’t think there’s anything in that.

Roy’s 100 percent commitment is to be with the Republic of Ireland team and qualifying for Euro 2016. It’s not a case of hands off. I don’t expect Martin O’Neill or Roy Keane to go anywhere.

Jurgen Klopp is doing everything he can to silence speculation linking him to the United job, expressing his love of Borussia Dortmund once again.

I find it a little uncomfortable having to turn somebody down without them even making an enquiry. But it seems like I have got to do it anyway.

There are about 1,000 reasons why I am so happy to be working at this club.

Juventus boss, Antonio Conte, is the latest name to be added to the United shortlist, according to the Telegraph's Matt Law:

Antonio Conte has emerged as a dark horse in the race to be the next Manchester United manager after being sounded out about the job.

But favourites Louis van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti have been given a boost by claims that former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson favours an appointment that would allow caretaker Ryan Giggs to take full charge in three years.

Updates from Thursday, April 24

Manchester United will lean on the expert advice of former chief executive David Gill when selecting the successor to David Moyes as manager.

Gill, who still represents United at Premier League meetings with Woodward, will be one of those closely consulted in the selection process.

The search is being led by Woodward, rather than the owning Glazer family, and the executive vice-chairman recognises that Gill’s extensive football knowledge has to be utilised, despite previous perceived tensions between them.

Former captain Roy Keane has been linked with a return to the club, in an assistant role to potential new manager Louis van Gaal. However, his current boss—Martin O'Neill—was quoted saying "I don't know anything about it" by Majella O'Sullivan of the Irish Independent.

Updates from Wednesday, April 23

Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville all assisted with training on Wednesday as life under interim boss Ryan Giggs began for Manchester United.

David Moyes' recent sacking leaves Manchester United searching for a new manager less than a year after they appointed their last.

Names such as Louis van Gaal, Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti and newly appointed interim boss Ryan Giggs are being touted for the permanent job, per Phil McNulty of BBC Sport, as the Red Devils look to get back to winning ways during the 2014-15 season.

Which manager will be tasked with returning United to the Champions League? Let's take a look through the latest headlines.

Latest News, Rumours on David Moyes' Successor

Ryan Giggs Will Not Be Considered for the Permanent Job

Jon Super

United fans will be excited to see Giggs step into the dugout—this is after all, a man who helped build the team's philosophy through his playing style—but the sight isn't destined to be a permanent one. Despite being put in charge for the remaining four games of the season, Giggs won't be considered for the full time role, per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian:

Giggs, as the most decorated player in United's history, will command the instant respect of the squad and, after 23 years at the club, has a full understanding of its ethos. Yet the board are intent on appointing a candidate with vast experience of elite management with Louis van Gaal, Carlo Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp among the current favourites.

Giggs' immediate task will be to inspire a squad of ailing players. This stressful season, and indeed the events of the past few days, are sure to have taken their toll on the team of poorly performing stars who have nothing left to play for this season.

Quinton Fortune believes his former colleague will excel, per United's official feed:

.@QuintonFortune backs former #mufc team-mate Ryan Giggs in his new role. "The amount of respect the players have for him is unbelievable."

The interim manager's job is to raise morale, improve performances with an increasingly attacking output and thrust United's biggest players toward their best form. United's squad is likely to be highly charged right now, so Giggs will need to introduce his calming presence in order to hand over a group of players with a rejuvenated sense of confidence to the next permanent boss .

Louis van Gaal Wants Roy Keane as His Assistant

Patrick Bolger/Getty Images

Current favourite to replace Moyes is Louis van Gaal, but should the Dutchman get the job, he may initiate Roy Keane's return to Old Trafford. Keane, who famously fell out with Sir Alex Ferguson before departing in 2005, is revered by Van Gaal both as a player and manager, reported by John Fallon of the Irish Examiner:

Louis Van Gaal’s prospective appointment as the new Manchester United manager this summer could spell bad news for the FAI as the Dutchman is looking towards having Roy Keane as his assistant, the Irish Examiner understands.

Fallon suggests Van Gaal wishes to work with someone who "is familiar with the terrain." He would reportedly choose Keane over Giggs due to the former's previous managerial experience at Sunderland and Ipswich Town.

Keane, a straight-talking, stern leader, would certainly produce an intimidating dynamic alongside Van Gaal. Both individuals are famed for their hard-line approach and are likely to command the respect of the dressing room more naturally than Moyes ever managed. As noted by Jack Wilson of the Daily Star, Keane's return is something plenty of United fans wish to see.

David Ramos/Getty Images

Similar to Giggs, Keane also played a major part in making United the successful brand they are today. He was at the heart of many winning teams throughout his career and possesses the natural leadership qualities to provide United with a sense of character. Although Moyes is adept at producing battling teams, he doesn't flaunt the same attacking ambition as a Van Gaal-Keane partnership would.

The situation surrounding United's managerial vacancy will continue to develop quickly until a permanent successor to Moyes is found. World-renowned coaches and former playing staff are likely to hog many rumours due to United's need for a quick return to winning ways.

Whoever is brought in, the next appointment needs to progress United toward playing the fast-paced, incisive football that has made them so famous across the world.